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Aquarium De Touraine Credit Aquarium Tom Besse 2025 2 1

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TOM BESSE

Aquarium de Touraine Fascinating immersion

Dive into a fascinating world where the waters of the Loire meet distant seas. From majestic catfish to mysterious sharks, and tropical fish in shimmering colours, theAquarium de Touraine invites you on an extraordinary journey. Let yourself be carried away by this unique adventure, just a few minutes fromAmboise. A visit to share with the whole family, to the delight of young and old alike!

An aquatic journey in the Loire Valley

The adventure begins as soon as you arrive, with 80 aquariums revealing their treasures. In the themed rooms, admire more than 360 different species , including impressive freshwater catfish.

Europe’s largest freshwater aquarium

With 5,000 m² dedicated to aquatic wonders, the Aquarium de Touraine reigns supreme over European freshwater. The 2 million litres of water are home to a fascinating world where local species rub shoulders with their exotic cousins. A 30-metre glass tunnel transports you into the heart of this crystal-clear universe, while the themed pools tell the story of our rivers all the way to the tropics. Continue your surprising journey in the reptile nursery, where adults and children alike can discover the newborns.

NEW: dive into the depths of the sea in Abyssia, a new immersive area!

Comme des poissons dans l'eau... au grand aquarium de Touraine !
Comme des poissons dans l'eau... au grand aquarium de Touraine !

A unique family experience

Share magical moments around the touch pools where the stingrays glide under your fingers. The animator-guide will reveal the secrets of the sea creatures during the discovery workshops, while the children have fun recognising the species thanks to the booklet-game.

The sturgeon tank transports you into a fascinating world where these freshwater giants swim. These ancestral creatures, with cartilaginous skeletons like sharks, glide majestically through their vast aquatic space. Their unique silhouettes, recognisable by their bony crests, bear witness to a history dating back millions of years.

An educational room is available for budding biologists. Observe the metamorphosis of the tadpoles, discover the life cycle of the axolotls and take part in the commented feeding of the residents. Over the course of this long experiment, several proposals have been devised alongside the classic visit:

  • the Lab: for 45 minutes, a caretaker explains his or her tasks and what goes on behind the scenes in such a facility.
  • Caretaker for a day: this service is available from 9.30 am to 12 noon, with participation in feeding, cleaning the tanks, explanations on the reproduction of different species in the tanks…

A great gift idea for animal lovers!

The wonders of Touraine’s fresh waters

Observe emblematic species in their reconstituted habitat: the common perch with its zebra back, the tench with its golden scales, not forgetting the mysterious eel that slips between the roots. A fascinating natural spectacle awaits you in the cyprinid zone, where roach and bleak swim in glistening shoals.

The local fish nursery reveals the secrets of natural reproduction. Young and old alike will marvel at the fry growing up before their very eyes, living witnesses to the cycle of life in our waterways.

The Loire fish tunnel

Enjoy a unique experience in this 30-metre glass tunnel, a veritable window on the aquatic life of the Loire. Catfish and pike swim above your head, while silver pike-perch glide stealthily through the water.

This architectural feat plunges you into the very heart of the Loire ecosystem. Black bass, perch and roach surround you in a fascinating aquatic dance. At certain times of the day, the sun’s rays shine through the windows, creating a spectacle of natural light on the scales of our residents.

From freshwater to tropical seas

Your aquatic journey takes a new turn towards the warm waters. The temperature gradually rises as the scenery takes on brilliant colours. The flamboyantly coloured discus parade in their tropical environment, while the American paddlefish reveal their surprising hunting techniques.

In the caiman zone, the reptiles bask on their islets, peaceful witnesses to Amazonian biodiversity. The tour culminates in a 15-metre tunnel where blacktip sharks glide elegantly through the multicoloured clownfish. A symphony of movement and colour that transforms every visitor into an ocean explorer.

@tourainevaldeloire 🐟 Come and discover the Grand Aquarium de Touraine! From typical #Loire species to the most exotic fish, spend a moment out of time! 🐠 #aquarium#ideesortie#foryou#fyp#pourtoi#touraine#amboise#printemps#france♬ Aquarium – Kevin MacLeod

In a nutshell...
A unique glass tunnel to explore the Loire ecosystem

Walk under 30 metres of freshwater populated by fascinating pike and catfish

Meet the giant sturgeons, stars of the aquarium

Admire these impressive prehistoric fish in their vast aquatic area

A sensory journey from rivers to tropical reefs

Discover an exceptional biodiversity between fresh waters and colourful exotic worlds

A major site in the Loire Valley

Recognised as Europe’s largest freshwater aquarium, the site welcomes almost 100,000 visitors every year. The number of visitors testifies to its importance as a regional tourist attraction. Its strategic location between Tours and Amboise enhances the region’s appeal, creating a unique synergy with the surrounding châteaux.

The aquarium plays an active role in preserving the natural heritage of the Loire Valley. Its educational programmes reach over 15,000 schoolchildren every year, teaching new generations the secrets of our aquatic ecosystems. This major educational role is perfectly in keeping with the cultural mission of the Val de Loire.